Warning! Google might be Tracking your Location History

If you have an Android phone, or have Google Maps installed on your iPhone, Google is tracking your location.

Need proof? Look at this screenshot. This is all the places I’ve been since I got my Android device.

Location Map

The above screenshot shows my “All Time” location information, but it can also be viewed daily. The map below shows where I’ve traveled on a chosen day. Information like the total amount of time I spent driving, and how long I’ve been at each location for is also available.

Daily Map

There really is no need for Google to be tracking this information. Especially without specifically asking for permission. Fortunately this information can both be disabled and deleted.

First go to this link to view your location history and to see if Google is tracking you. You will have to sign in to your Google account. Then to disable the data gathering just click the little gear icon in the bottom right corner and select “pause location history.” Google will give you a warning saying that this might limit the functionality of some apps, but that’s fine, so just click okay. Now Google won’t be collecting this information anymore.

To delete the information Google already has click the gear icon again and click “delete all location history.” Then confirm the deletion by clicking “delete history” in the dialog box that popups.

Now your location history is no longer being tracked and all previous history has been deleted.

Shayne is enrolled in Business Information Technologies at Red River College in Winnipeg Manitoba. He has a passion for politics, photography and technology. Born and raised in a small farming community, Shayne believes in small government and personal liberty.